"?Rafael Benitez has spoken of his desire to sign young players and help them to become better players as Newcastle look to bring in fresh faces in January.
The Magpies boss was speaking ahead of his side's FA Cup third round replay against fellow Championship side Birmingham City, and revealed that he would rather bring in young talent that he could develop rather than veterans whose careers are on the wane.
In quotes published by the "?Shields Gazette, Benitez said: "People think I like to sign old players. Our team is one of the youngest, or in the middle, in terms of average in the division. I like to sign young players to develop and improve them, and at the same time sign players that we need.
"Players like Daryl Murphy can make the difference. That is important. I am confident we can sign the players we need."
Newcastle are yet to make a single signing in the winter transfer window, even though Benitez remains keen on bolstering his first-team squad ahead of a packed second half to the season.
Newcastle currently sit top of England's second division - one place and one point ahead of nearest rivals Brighton & Hove Albion - and will no doubt need fresh blood if they are to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
RB: "January is always difficult, because not many of the good players playing in top sides are available." #NUFC
Rumours have surfaced that club owner Mike Ashley, as well as managing director Lee Charnley, want a greater say in the players that Benitez intends to bring to St. James' Park, but the Spaniard refuted such claims and stated that his relationship with the pair remains the same as always.
He continued: "My communication with the owner is always through Lee Charnley, the managing director, and nothing has changed. Every day we talk about transfers with our scouts, agents, and we have the same idea in my head which is to sign the best players possible.
"If we can sign the right players for us ... if we cannot then maybe someone can help. It is a crucial time everything is so positive and we are at the top of the table. It is easy to understand if we sign the right players if would be better."
The ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid manager added he remained confident of landing some targets in January, even if he had to settle for players on loan.
He said: "We have some options, a couple of them could be really good, someone I like a lot. Hopefully, we can progress.
"We are watching everything. It is easier to bring a player on loan with an option or obligation. We are working on that, and I have confidence we can do well."
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